The M6 motorway is closed in Staffordshire tonight due to cows near the carriageway this evening.

The animals are next to the M6 Southbound between J13 A449 (Stafford South) to J12 A5 (Gailey) - leading to the carriageway being closed.

Just before 6.55pm, all traffic was held to assist with cows that are close to the M6.

A Highways England spokesman said: "In Staffordshire, the M6 is closed southbound between J13 for Stafford and J12 for the A5 due to a significant risk of animals entering the carriageway.

"Traffic Officers are at the scene. Please allow plenty of extra journey time if travelling in the region."

We have no word on when the motorway will reopen at this stage.

Inrix, the traffic data company, are currently reporting a diversion is in place via the A449 through Penkridge to Gailey island and then A5 to J12.

Diversion: Road users travelling south are advised to follow the hollow circle diversion route and to leave the M6 as J13 and take the exit to A449 South. Continue along the A449 South to its junction with the A5 at Gailey. Take the exit to the A5 eastbound and continue to M6 J12.

All lanes now open

Highways England have confirmed all lanes have now reopened

A spokesman said: “All lanes open on the M6southbound between J13 Stafford and J12 following the earlier incident involving cows on the carriageway. Delays of 40 minutes above profile journey time being measured but will begin to ease. Thank you for patience, safe onward journey.”

20:58

Two lanes have now reopened for trapped traffic

A Highways England spokesman said: “2 lanes (of 4) have now been opened to allow traffic caught within the closure to move past the scene.”

20:53

Carriageway remains blocked

Trapped traffic is still being released, Highways England have confirmed.

20:24

Trapped traffic released

Trapped traffic has been released but the carriageway remains closed.

19:54

Further information on diversion

Diversion: Road users travelling south are advised to follow the hollow circle diversion route and to leave the M6 as J13 and take the exit to A449 South. Continue along the A449 South to its junction with the A5 at Gailey. Take the exit to the A5 eastbound and continue to M6 J12.

19:41

Diversion in place

Diversion - A449 through Penkridge to Gailey island and then A5 to J12.

19:38

Traffic queueing

Queues caused by the cows (Image: Highways England)

19:34

Highways England confirm motorway still closed

A Highways England spokesman said:

the M6 southbound between J13 (Stafford) and J12 is now closed due to the risk of animals entering the carriageway. Our traffic officers continue to work at scene. “